noun

electrolysis

ih-lek-TRAH-luh-sis

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Electrolysis (noun) means the chemical change produced by passing an electric current through a liquid that conducts electricity or through a molten salt. Example: “Electrolysis of water produces hydrogen and oxygen.”

noun

chemistry The chemical change produced by passing an electric current through a liquid that conducts electricity or through a molten salt.

"Electrolysis of water produces hydrogen and oxygen."

"The students set up an electrolysis experiment in the lab."

"Metals can be coated with a thin layer of another metal using electrolysis."

A method of removing hair permanently by destroying the roots with an electric current.

"She booked a course of electrolysis to remove the hair on her upper lip."

"Electrolysis treats one hair follicle at a time."

"The clinic offers electrolysis as well as laser treatments."

Examples of electrolysis in a sentence →

How to use electrolysis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsing an electric current to cause a chemical change, or to remove hair at the root.

When to use it

It is a technical word in chemistry and a plain, everyday one in beauty and skincare treatments.

Memory tip

The plural is electrolyzes, though the word is mostly used without a plural.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

electrolyte → electrolytic

Common pairings

electrolysis of water hair removal by electrolysis electrolysis experiment undergo electrolysis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “electrolysis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ of water produces hydrogen and oxygen.

Etymology

The English polymath William Whewell coined the word in 1834 for Michael Faraday, from electro- and -lysis, meaning a loosening. It was first used of tumors, and from 1909 of hair removal.

Origin: English

Rhymes for electrolysis

analysis dialysis catalysis paralysis hydrolysis psychoanalysis

See all rhymes for electrolysis →

Frequently asked questions

What is electrolysis in chemistry?

It is the use of an electric current to break a compound apart, in a liquid or a melted salt.

What is electrolysis hair removal?

It is a treatment in which a tiny electric charge is used to kill hair at the root.

Who coined the word electrolysis?

William Whewell coined it in 1834 for Michael Faraday.

What is the meaning of electrolysis?

"electrolysis" (noun) means the chemical change produced by passing an electric current through a liquid that conducts electricity or through a molten salt.